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Multicomponent interventions which reduce the incidence of delirium in elderly patients undergoing surgery should be considered. These include early mobilisation, avoidance of dehydration and avoidance of delirium triggering medications.^197,249,250

Provisions should be made for the assessment and management of pain in older people, and more specifically in those with dementia.^251,253

All staff managing patients in the postoperative period must be familiar with the arrangements determining mental capacity in the part of the UK in which they are working and pathways of care for patients with dementia.^{111,254,255,256}

Each department of anaesthesia should have a lead anaesthetist for patients with cognitive impairment with sufficient time identified for the role in their job plan.²⁴⁸

There should be established liaison with social services for patients who need such support to prevent delay in discharge.

Every hospital should nominate an anaesthetic lead for patients with obesity undergoing surgery with time identified for this role in their job plan.²⁴¹

Medical records should include the patient’s weight and body mass index (BMI).²⁵⁸

Ideally, patients with morbid obesity should undergo preassessment by a senior anaesthetist.²⁵⁸

Advanced warning of elective patients with morbid obesity should be given to the appropriate ward/ theatre environment by the preoperative assessment team. Additional specialised equipment is necessary and should be available for every patient with morbid obesity at all stages of the perioperative pathway.²⁵⁸

Patients undergoing bariatric surgery should be considered for level 2 or 3 critical care postoperatively.²²